Bengals Make Contract Intentions Clear With WR Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown didn't use the word "guarantee" when talking about whether his organization will sign wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase to a contract extension. But he could have based on the bold claim he made regarding the contract negotiations.

"We are going to bend over backwards to make it happen," Brown said about signing Chase, via WLWT's Olivia Ray . "I can't tell you when it's going to get done.

"The reel has been cast."

Chase is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract. The deal also includes a fifth-year team-option, which will pay Chase $21.8 million next season .

But Chase didn't attend Bengals voluntary practices during the offseason in the hopes of encouraging a new contract offer this summer.

Despite not landing a new deal, Chase returned to the Bengals for mandatory minicamp in June.

Chase has led the Bengals in receiving each of his first three NFL seasons.

The Minnesota Vikings and Justin Jefferson agreed to a four-year, $140 million extension this summer, setting an NFL record for the highest annual value for a non-QB.

Chase will likely be looking for similar value in his contract from the Bengals.

Cincinnati is in a bit of a tough spot. Both Chase and fellow wideout Tee Higgins were looking for new contracts this summer.

It's clear, though, that Chase is Cincinnati's top priority. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins this spring.

That forced Higgins to remain in Cincinnati for 2024. But he will likely be a free agent next March.

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